CMS, HHS Announce $110 Million in Funding to Expand Home, Community-based Services for Older Adults

Through the Medicaid’s Money Follows the Person (MFP) program, the US Department of Health & Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced plans to offer more than $110 million to expand home and community-based services (HCBS).

“The new Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) makes individual awards of up to $5 million available for more than 20 states and territories not currently participating in MFP,” said CMS in a press release. “These funds will support initial planning and implementation to get the state/territory programs off the ground, which would ensure more people with Medicaid can receive high-quality, cost-effective, person-centered services in a setting they choose.”

Since its inception in 2005, MFP has provided states with $4.06 billion to support older adults who would prefer to move back into their homes and communities and out of institutions.

“Everyone deserves the opportunity to live at home, in their communities, and with their loved ones,” said HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra. “This funding will bring dignity and peace of mind to even more seniors and people with disabilities across the country.

Per a CMS press release, HCBS is a has been a critical part of the Medicaid program and this additional funding will permit older adults and individuals with disabilities to live safely and independently.

The new funding will go towards initiatives to establish partnerships with community stakeholders including tribal entities and governments, key state and local agencies, and community-based organizations to ensure both diverse and underserved populations are receiving access.

The new NOFO will also help states conduct system assessments, develop programs to assist transitions, establish or improve existing Medicaid HCBS quality improvement programs, recruit providers, and more.

CMS said states currently not currently participating in the MFP demonstration may apply through the NOFO no later than May 31, 2022. For actively participating states, the agency explained there will be increased reimbursement rates and expanded definitions of supplemental services.

Reference:
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. HHS to provide $110 million to strengthen safety net for seniors and people with disabilities. March 31, 2022. Accessed April 1, 2022. https://www.cms.gov/newsroom/press-releases/hhs-provide-110-million-strengthen-safety-net-seniors-and-people-disabilities